Joseph A. Lucci Jr. was born on Aug. 21, 1921, in Morrone del Sannio, Italy. He came to the United States at age 9, speaking no English. In Jersey City, N.J., Lucci "acclimated fairly quickly," and graduated second in his class from St. Peter's College in New Jersey, said his son, Joseph A. Lucci III, a physician of Miami.

In 1951, Lucci came to Houston to finish his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Joseph. In 1952, St. Joseph affiliated with Anderson and Lucci was the first to complete a year of training there in gynecologic oncology.

In 1953, Lucci began his practice in Houston and joined the faculty at Anderson, specializing in female cancer surgery. There he developed expertise in care for expectant mothers with cancer. "He had a very passionate personality, always animated, and sometimes could be quite gruff, but always kind and generous," his son said.

The Luccis were recipients of the Del Sarto Humanitarian Award, named for St. Pius X and honoring those who make significant contributions to the community.